Cleveland State Starts Conference Play With A Win

The Cougars put together a slug fest to open conference play.

Cleveland State (3-6, 1-0) welcomed undefeated Roane State (6-1, 0-1) to town and ended the game early with a 16-6 ten run rule after seven innings.

"Any win in conference is good especially the first one," Cleveland State head baseball coach Aaron Bryant said. "We had a great offensive day, eight out of nine guys in our lineup got hits so you'd like to think you can win most of those games."

Catcher Ty Denton, third baseman Evan Goins and right fielder Nate Severance each homered for Cleveland State. Six different players drove in runs with Denton leading the way driving in four.

Shortstop Jon Jon Read doubled twice, designated hitter Nelson McKnight also hit a double and left fielder Daniel Reyes tripled. Centerfielder Nate Dunfee scored the most runs for the Cougars coming across the plate three times.

Tyler Pickens earned the victory pitching two no hit innings allowing one unearned run. Starter Adam Baker threw four innings allowing two earned runs on five hits while striking out two and walking five. JC Armour went two-thirds of an inning allowing two earned runs on two hits and walking two. Jeremy Crider pitched the final third of an inning not allowing a run and walking a batter.

"We got just enough good pitching with Tyler Pickens picking up the win out of the bullpen," Bryant said.

Cleveland State is right back at it playing a double header for the final two games of the series against the Raiders on Friday with first pitch scheduled for noon.

Edwin Bear
Cleveland State Community College
Sports Information/Media Relations